🚨 2002 Toyota Highlander: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Highlander uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a mechanical shift lock override slot.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly applied and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the exposed slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the Park position
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Follow the same procedure: remove the override cover cap, insert a tool into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The mechanical override is designed to work without any battery power.